Works of art cannot be touched, it is a basic rule, but at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection there is an exception, thanks to the innovative project “Double meaning: tactile paths at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection”: an accessibility path dedicated to the public with visual impairments which, through the sense of touch, will lead to the knowledge of the masterpieces collected by the American patron. On the occasion of four appointments, which will take place at the collection between the end of October 2015 and January 2016 (October 31st, November 14th, December 12th, January 9th, starting from 15), blind and visually impaired visitors, as well as the visually impaired, will be invited to take part in guided tactile itineraries which will allow them to enjoy both some works from the permanent collection (“Portrait of Frau P. nel Sud” by Paul Klee, “Verso l 'high (Empor)" by Vasily Kandinsky, and "Young woman in the shape of a flower" by Max Ernst) which of three masterpieces of the temporary exhibition VS Gaitonde. Painting as a process, painting as a life.
The meetings are divided into two moments: it begins with a tactile visit with Valeria Bottalico, creator and curator of the project, and subsequently follows a workshop conducted by the blind artist Happy Tagliaferri. The works analyzed during the four appointments will be translated in relief and accompanied by descriptive technical sheets written in Braille and in highly legible graphic font. The texts of the cards will also be accessible as audio files that can be downloaded in a section of the museum website, specially dedicated and available for visually impaired people to consult. The project provides for the training of various staff members in charge of hospitality, visitor services, the shop, educational activities and publications.
A new and unique path, which was created with the aim of promoting the social and educational role of the museum as a meeting and inclusion place, as well as enhancing its immense cultural heritage, making it accessible to all, in line with the "mission" of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or to contribute to the knowledge and diffusion of modern and contemporary art in Italy and in the world. The initiative also initiates a process of raising awareness of use through touch, understood as a different cognitive experience, thus responding to article 30 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities "States recognize the right of persons with disabilities to take part on an equal basis with others in cultural life [..]”
At the same time as the four guided tours and workshops, children aged 6 to 12 will have the opportunity to participate in four Sunday workshops at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which are part of the Kids Day programming, again led by Felice Tagliaferri (November 1 -15, 13th December, 10st January, from 15 16.30).
All appointments take place at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Dorsoduro 701, Venice), reachable by vaporetto, Line 1/2, Accademia stop.
“Double meaning: tactile paths at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection” was created in collaboration with theBlind Institute of Milan, who carried out the relief translation of two of the works and the creation of the project web page making it accessible to the blind, with the participation of theItalian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired - Onlus, and is made possible thanks to the contribution of The Gordon and Llura Gund Foundation.
Valeria Bottalico she is a researcher and trainer in the field of museum accessibility and a member of ICOM (International Council of Museums) Italy and a member of the thematic commissions "Education and Mediation" and "Museum Accessibility". You collaborate with various museums and schools for which you plan and coordinate educational activities with attention to accessibility issues. For five years you have been conducting research dedicated to the mediation and use of cultural heritage for an audience of blind and visually impaired people in an inclusive key.
Happy Tagliaferri is an internationally known blind sculptor and founder of the Chiesa dell'Arte, a school of plastic arts. His creations are "unseen" sculptures, which are first born in his mind and then take shape through the skilful use of his hands, guided by incredible tactile abilities. He works with different materials: clay, marble, wood or stone, and is also a teacher. His art has been defined by various experts in the sector as "social art" due to the commitment that characterizes his exhibitions.
